“Herculine” is Grace Byron's debut horror novel. The story follows the protagonist, a trans woman, as she leaves New York City and returns to the Midwest, where her ex-girlfriend is leading a commune or cult for trans women.

Initially, this idea appears appealing—taking a break from the harsh realities of city life and reconnecting with one’s roots. However, the narrator soon faces both metaphorical and literal demons.

At a time when trans women are often vilified, Byron takes this societal toxicity and turns it on its head. The horrors depicted in the novel include the cult-like, demonic commune, as well as very real dangers such as conversion therapy, Midwestern politics, liberal microaggressions, TERFs, internalized misogyny, transphobia, and much more.

I recommend this novel to fans of *Yellowjackets*, Torrey Peters’ *Stag Dance*, and Chuck Tingle’s *Camp Damascus* and *Bury Your Gays*. Thank you to S&S Saga Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

I would caution readers to check out the CWs before reading.